After all the packing and cleaning, it was so nice to finally kick back and relax in New Jersey with my family. Seeing them and a few select friends made the time go quicker than I had expected. Lots of good times, good laughs and good conversations were had during our stay in New Jersey. Mom came through with some amazing gravy with bones, sausages and meatballs. Dad whipped up the veal cutlets and Grandma made a lavishly delicious dinner for all of us. My sister even drove the 3 hours to say hello. I was very impressed by everyone and greatful for all their support and love through this process. I don't know if I could face any of this without them.

With a lump in my throat, a nervous knot in my belly, and the anticipation of a child on Christmas Eve, we rolled out of New Jersey. Stopping for gas before we hit the road, I took a moment to collect myself and then we drove. The route took us through New York state, just below the Catskills. We stopped once for a picnic luch of PB&J and played a bit of frisbee. We switch driving duties and continued on towards Rotchester NY where we switched again for the final leg.

The Aston Michael's Inn was a honeymoon inn located just near the Rainbow Bridge in Canada. It had a lot of themed rooms likie "Midnight Encounters" or "Oriental Palace." We were in the "Circa 1962" themed room with permiwinkle funrniture and a smashing view of a parking lot. Very enchanting.

Fortunately for us the rest of Niagara was great. The falls, Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the falls, etc. etc. were outstanding. The only thing that was a bit tough was the food. The service was a bit slow, everywhere and the food was not quite up to snuff, but good enough.

Here are the pictures from this leg.
Click for the picture pages

Internet time is limited, so I will write more later.